U.S. patent application number 12/915613 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for optical touch device.
This patent application is currently assigned to PixArt Imaging Inc.. Invention is credited to HUI-HSUAN CHEN, Chiang-Yuan Chuang, Hung-Ching Lai, Wu-Chieh Liu.
Application Number | 20110234538 12/915613 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44655820 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110234538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEN; HUI-HSUAN ; et
al. |
September 29, 2011 |
OPTICAL TOUCH DEVICE
Abstract
An optical touch device includes a transparent substrate and at
least a light emitting and receiving unit. The transparent
substrate has a touch surface, a first light incidence surface and
a first light emitting surface. Each light emitting and receiving
unit includes a linear light source, a light path adjusting
component and a light sensing component. The linear light source is
disposed beside the first light incidence surface. The light path
adjusting component is disposed between the linear light source and
the first light incidence surface and configured for adjusting the
incidence angles of the optical signals striking at the first
incidence surface so that each of the optical signals enters into
the transparent substrate through the first incidence surface with
a predetermined angle. The light sensing component is disposed
beside the first light emitting surface. The optical touch device
has a high light utility efficiency.
Inventors: |
CHEN; HUI-HSUAN; (Hsinchu,
TW) ; Liu; Wu-Chieh; (Hsinchu, TW) ; Lai;
Hung-Ching; (Hsinchu, TW) ; Chuang; Chiang-Yuan;
(Hsinchu, TW) |
Assignee: |
PixArt Imaging Inc.
Hsinchu
TW
|
Family ID: |
44655820 |
Appl. No.: |
12/915613 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/175 ;
178/18.09 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0428 20130101;
G06F 2203/04109 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/175 ;
178/18.09 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/042 20060101
G06F003/042 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 26, 2010 |
TW |
099109137 |
Jul 14, 2010 |
TW |
099123163 |
Claims
1. An optical touch device, comprising: a transparent substrate
comprising a touch surface and a plurality of side surfaces
adjacent to the touch surface, at least one of the side surfaces
being a first light incidence surface, and at least one of the side
surfaces being a first light emitting surface opposite to the first
light incidence surface; at least a light emitting and receiving
unit, and each light emitting and receiving unit comprising: a
linear light source disposed beside the first light incidence
surface of the transparent substrate and configured for providing a
plurality of optical signals into the transparent substrate; a
light path adjusting component disposed between the linear light
source and the first light incidence surface and configured for
adjusting incidence angles of the optical signals striking at the
first incidence surface so that each of the optical signals enters
into the transparent substrate through the first incidence surface
with a predetermined angle; and a light sensing component disposed
beside the first light emitting surface, the light sensing
component and the linear light source being respectively disposed
at two opposite sides of the transparent substrate, and the light
sensing component being configured for sensing the optical signals
from the linear light source.
2. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
linear light source comprises: a light guide plate having a second
light incidence surface and a second light emitting surface
adjacent to the second light incidence surface, and the second
light emitting surface facing to the light path adjusting
component; a light emitting component disposed beside the second
light incidence surface; and a shell configured for receiving the
light guide plate and the light emitting component.
3. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
light emitting component comprises an infrared light emitting
component.
4. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each
light emitting and receiving unit further comprises a light
concentrating component disposed between the light sensing
component and the first light emitting surface and configured for
receiving the optical signals emitting from the first light
emitting surface, and a light emitting structure is disposed on a
surface of the light concentrating component far away from the
transparent substrate to transmit the optical signals to the light
sensing component through the light emitting structure.
5. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
light emitting structure comprises a grating structure or a matte
surface structure.
6. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 4, wherein each
light emitting and receiving unit further comprises a lens set
disposed between the light sensing component and the light
concentrating component and configured for concentrating the
optical signals to the light sensing component.
7. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 4, wherein each
light emitting and receiving unit further comprises a reflecting
member, the reflecting member is disposed between the light sensing
component and the light concentrating component and configured for
reflecting the optical signals to the light sensing component.
8. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
reflecting member of each light receiving and emitting unit
comprises a prism, and the prism has a third light incidence
surface facing to the light concentrating component, a third light
emitting surface facing to the light sensing component and a
reflecting surface connecting between the third light incidence
surface and the third light emitting surface.
9. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 7, wherein each
light emitting and receiving unit further comprises a refracting
member disposed between the reflecting member and the light
concentrating component and configured for refracting the optical
signals to the reflecting member.
10. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each
light path adjusting component has a fourth light incidence surface
and a fourth light emitting surface opposite to the fourth light
incidence surface, the fourth light incidence surface is a convex
curved surface facing to the linear light source, and the fourth
light emitting surface is an inclined surface.
11. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising two reflecting layers respectively formed on the touch
surface and a surface opposite to the touch surface, wherein the
reflecting layers are configured for reflecting infrared optical
signals.
12. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
transparent substrate is a substrate of a display panel.
13. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first light incidence surface is an inclined surface.
14. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
light sensing component has a sensing region, the optical signals
provided by the linear light source are totally reflected in the
transparent substrate, when a touch member touches the touch
surface, a portion of the optical signals is not totally reflected
due to the touch member so that a portion of the sensing region of
the light sensing component do not sense the optical signals.
15. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 14, further
comprising a processing unit electrically connected to the light
sensing component, wherein the processing unit is configured for
judging a location of the touch member according to a location of
the portion of the sensing region that do not sensing the optical
signals.
16. An optical touch device, comprising: a transparent substrate
comprising a touch surface and a plurality of side surfaces
adjacent to the touch surface, at least one of the side surfaces
being a first light incidence surface, and at least one of the side
surfaces being a first light emitting surface opposite to the first
light incidence surface; at least a light emitting and receiving
unit, and each light emitting and receiving unit comprising: a
linear light source disposed beside the first light incidence
surface of the transparent substrate and configured for providing a
plurality of optical signals into the transparent substrate; a
light sensing component disposed beside the first light emitting
surface, the light sensing component and the linear light source
being respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the
transparent substrate, and the light sensing component being
configured for sensing the optical signals from the linear light
source; and a light concentrating component disposed between the
light sensing component and the first light emitting surface and
configured for receiving the optical signals emitting from the
first light emitting surface, and a light emitting structure is
disposed on a surface of the light concentrating component far away
from the transparent substrate to transmit the optical signals to
the light sensing component through the light emitting
structure.
17. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
linear light source comprises: a light guide plate having a second
light incidence surface and a second light emitting surface
adjacent to the second light incidence surface, and the second
light emitting surface facing to the light path adjusting
component; a light emitting component disposed beside the second
light incidence surface; and a shell configured for receiving the
light guide plate and the light emitting component.
18. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the
light emitting component comprises an infrared light emitting
component.
19. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
light emitting structure comprises a grating structure or a matte
surface structure.
20. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 16, wherein each
light emitting and receiving unit further comprises a lens set
disposed between the light sensing component and the light
concentrating component and configured for concentrating the
optical signals to the light sensing component.
21. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 16, wherein each
light emitting and receiving unit further comprises a reflecting
member, the reflecting member is disposed between the light sensing
component and the light concentrating component and configured for
reflecting the optical signals to the light sensing component.
22. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the
reflecting member of each light receiving and emitting unit
comprises a prism, and the prism has a third light incidence
surface facing to the light concentrating component, a third light
emitting surface facing to the light sensing component and a
reflecting surface connecting between the third light incidence
surface and the third light emitting surface.
23. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 21, wherein each
light emitting and receiving unit further comprises a refracting
member disposed between the reflecting member and the light
concentrating component and configured for refracting the optical
signals to the reflecting member.
24. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 16, further
comprising two reflecting layers respectively formed on the touch
surface and a surface opposite to the touch surface, wherein the
reflecting layers are configured for reflecting infrared optical
signals.
25. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
transparent substrate is a substrate of a display panel.
26. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
first light incidence surface is an inclined surface.
27. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
light sensing component has a sensing region, the optical signals
provided by the linear light source are totally reflected in the
transparent substrate, when a touch member touches the touch
surface, a portion of the optical signals is not totally reflected
due to the touch member so that a portion of the sensing region of
the light sensing component do not receive the optical signals.
28. The optical touch device as claimed in claim 27, further
comprising a processing unit electrically connected to the light
sensing component, wherein the processing unit is configured for
judging a location of the touch member according to a location of
the portion of the sensing region that do not receiving the optical
signals.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a touch device, and more
particularly to an optical touch device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A touch device has an advantage of easy operation. Recently,
the touch device has been widely applied to various electronic
products, for example, mobile phones, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), digital cameras, music players, computers, satellite
navigation devices, touch screens, and so on. Generally, a familiar
type of the touch device is, for example, a resistive touch device
a capacitive touch device or an optical touch device. The optical
touch device has a lower cost comparative to the resistive touch
device or the capacitive touch device.
[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a
conventional optical touch device. Referring to FIG. 1, the
conventional optical touch device 100 includes a transparent
substrate 110, two linear light sources 120 and two light sensing
components 130. Only one of the two linear light sources 120 and
only one of the two light sensing components 130 are shown in FIG.
1. The transparent substrate 110 is rectangular. The two linear
light sources 120 respectively correspond to the two light sensing
components 130 one by one. The linear light source 120 and the
corresponding light sensing component 130 are respectively disposed
at two opposite sides of the transparent substrate 110. Each of the
linear light sources 120 is disposed beside a light incidence
surface 112 of the transparent substrate 110, and each of the light
sensing components 130 is disposed beside a light emitting surface
114 of the transparent substrate 110. In addition, a lens set 140
is disposed between each of the light sensing components 130 and
the corresponding light emitting surface 114.
[0004] Each of the linear light sources 120 of the conventional
optical touch device 100 includes a light emitting diode 122 for
providing a plurality of optical signals 123. The optical signals
123 enter into the transparent substrate 110 through the light
incidence surface 112. Then, a portion of the optical signals 123
is totally reflected many times in the transparent substrate 110 to
emit from the light emitting surface 114. The lens set 140 is
configured for receiving the portion of the optical signals 123 and
congregating the portion of the optical signals 123 to the light
sensing component 130. When a touch surface 116 of the transparent
substrate 110 is touched by a touch member 50 (e.g., a finger or a
pen), the portion of the optical signals 123 arriving at a portion
of the touch surface 116 touched by the touch member 50 can not be
totally reflected and can not be sensed by the light sensing
components 130. Thus, a location of the touch member 50 along an
axis can be obtained according to a location of a portion of a
sensing region of each of the light sensing components 130 where
the optical signals 123 is not sensed. Therefore, the exact
location of the touch member 50 on the touch surface 116 can be
obtained according to the information sensed by the two light
sensing components 130.
[0005] However, in the conventional optical touch device 100, the
optical signals 123 have different incidence angles while striking
at the light incidence surface 112 to enter into the transparent
substrate 110 through the light incidence surface 112. Thus, a
light incidence efficiency of the optical signals 123 is low.
Moreover, a portion of the optical signals 123 emits out of the
transparent substrate 110 from the light emitting surface 114
without total reflections in the transparent substrate 110 so that
the light sensing components 130 can not sensing the optical
signals 123 exactly. Additionally, the optical signals 123 emits
out of the transparent substrate 110 from the light emitting
surface 114 have different emitting angles. Thus, a light
congregating efficiency of the lens set 140 is low, thereby
affecting the sensing effect of the corresponding light sensing
component 130.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides an optical touch device to
increase a light incidence efficiency of the optical signals
entering into a transparent substrate, thereby increasing a light
utility efficiency.
[0007] The present invention provides an optical touch device to
increase a light incidence efficiency of the optical signals
irradiating on a light sensing component, thereby increasing a
light utility efficiency.
[0008] To achieve at least one of the above-mentioned advantages,
the present invention provides an optical touch device including a
transparent substrate and at least a light emitting and receiving
unit. The transparent substrate has a touch surface and a plurality
of side surfaces adjacent to the touch surface. At least one of the
side surfaces is a first light incidence surface and at least one
of the side surfaces is a first light emitting surface opposite to
the first light incidence surface. Each light emitting and
receiving unit includes a linear light source, a light path
adjusting component and a light sensing component. The linear light
source is disposed beside the first light incidence surface of the
transparent substrate and is configured for providing a plurality
of optical signals into the transparent substrate. The light path
adjusting component is disposed between the linear light source and
the first light incidence surface and configured for adjusting
incidence angles of the optical signals striking at the first
incidence surface so that each of the optical signals enters into
the transparent substrate through the first incidence surface with
a predetermined angle. The light sensing component is disposed
beside the first light emitting surface. The light sensing
component and the linear light source are respectively disposed at
two opposite sides of the transparent substrate. The light sensing
component is configured for receiving the optical signals from the
linear light source.
[0009] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
linear light source includes a light guide plate, a light emitting
component and a shell. The light guide plate has a second light
incidence surface and a second light emitting surface adjacent to
the second light incidence surface, and the second light emitting
surface faces to the light path adjusting component. The light
emitting component is disposed beside the second light incidence
surface. The shell is configured for receiving the light guide
plate and the light emitting component.
[0010] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
light emitting component comprises an infrared light emitting
component.
[0011] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, each
light emitting and receiving unit further comprises a light
concentrating component disposed between the light sensing
component and the first light emitting surface and configured for
receiving the optical signals emitting from the first light
emitting surface. A light emitting structure is disposed on a
surface of the light concentrating component far away from the
transparent substrate to transmit the optical signals to the light
sensing component through the light emitting structure.
[0012] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
light emitting structure comprises a grating structure or a matte
surface structure.
[0013] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, each
light emitting and receiving unit includes a lens set disposed
between the light sensing component and the light concentrating
component. The lens set is configured for concentrating the optical
signals to the light sensing component.
[0014] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, each
light emitting and receiving unit further includes a reflecting
member. The first reflecting member is disposed between the light
sensing component and the light concentrating component and is
configured for reflecting the optical signals to the light sensing
component.
[0015] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
reflecting member of the light receiving and emitting unit
comprises a prism, and the prism has a third light incidence
surface, a reflecting surface and a third light emitting surface.
The third light incidence surface faces to the light concentrating
component, the third light emitting surface faces to the light
sensing component, and the reflecting surface is connected between
the third light incidence surface and the third light emitting
surface.
[0016] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, each
light emitting and receiving unit further includes a refracting
member. The refracting member is disposed between the reflecting
member and the light concentrating component and is configured for
refracting the optical signals to the reflecting member.
[0017] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, each
light path adjusting component has a fourth light incidence surface
and a fourth light emitting surface opposite to the fourth light
incidence surface, the fourth light incidence surface is a convex
curved surface facing to the linear light source, and the fourth
light emitting surface is an inclined surface.
[0018] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
transparent substrate is a substrate of a display panel.
[0019] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
optical touch device further includes two reflecting layers
respectively formed on the touch surface and a surface opposite to
the touch surface. The reflecting layers are configured for
reflecting the infrared optical signals.
[0020] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
first light incidence surface is an inclined surface.
[0021] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
light sensing component has a sensing region. The optical signals
provided by the linear light source are totally reflected in the
transparent substrate. When a touch member touches the touch
surface, a portion of the optical signals is not totally reflected
due to the touch member so that a portion of the sensing region of
the light sensing component do not sense the portion of the optical
signals.
[0022] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
optical touch device further includes a processing unit
electrically connected to the light sensing component. The
processing unit is configured for judging a location of the touch
member according to a location of the portion of the sensing region
that do not sensing the optical signals.
[0023] To achieve at least one of the above-mentioned advantages,
the present invention also provides an optical touch device
including a transparent substrate and at least a light emitting and
receiving unit. The transparent substrate includes a touch surface
and a plurality of side surfaces adjacent to the touch surface. At
least one of the side surfaces is a light incidence surface and at
least one of the side surfaces is a light emitting surface opposite
to the light incidence surface. Each light emitting and receiving
unit includes a linear light source, a light sensing component and
a light concentrating component. The linear light source is
disposed beside the light incidence surface of the transparent
substrate and is configured for providing a plurality of optical
signals into the transparent substrate. The light sensing component
is disposed beside the light emitting surface. The light sensing
component and the linear light source are respectively disposed at
two opposite sides of the transparent substrate. The light sensing
component is configured for sensing the optical signals from the
linear light source. The light concentrating component is disposed
between the light sensing component and the first light emitting
surface and is configured for receiving the optical signals
emitting from the first light emitting surface. A light emitting
structure is disposed on a surface of the light concentrating
component far away from the transparent substrate to transmit the
optical signals to the light sensing component through the light
emitting structure.
[0024] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
linear light source includes a light guide plate, a light emitting
component and a shell. The light guide plate has a second light
incidence surface and a second light emitting surface adjacent to
the second light incidence surface, and the second light emitting
surface faces to the light path adjusting component. The light
emitting component is disposed beside the second light incidence
surface. The shell is configured for receiving the light guide
plate and the light emitting component.
[0025] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
light emitting component comprises an infrared light emitting
component.
[0026] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
light emitting structure comprises a grating structure or a matte
surface structure.
[0027] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, each
light emitting and receiving unit includes a lens set disposed
between the light sensing component and the light concentrating
component. The lens set is configured for concentrating the optical
signals to the light sensing component.
[0028] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, each
light emitting and receiving unit further includes a reflecting
member. The first reflecting member is disposed between the light
sensing component and the light concentrating component, and is
configured for reflecting the optical signals to the light sensing
component.
[0029] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
reflecting member of the light receiving and emitting unit
comprises a prism, and the prism has a third light incidence
surface, a reflecting surface and a third light emitting surface.
The third light incidence surface faces to the light concentrating
component, the third light emitting surface faces to the light
sensing component, and the reflecting surface is connected between
the third light incidence surface and the third light emitting
surface.
[0030] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, each
light emitting and receiving unit further includes a refracting
member. The refracting member is disposed between the reflecting
member and the light concentrating component and is configured for
refracting the optical signals to the reflecting member.
[0031] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the In
one embodiment provided by the present invention, the transparent
substrate is a substrate of a display panel.
[0032] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
optical touch device further includes two reflecting layers
respectively formed on the touch surface and a surface opposite to
the touch surface. The reflecting layers are configured for
reflecting the infrared optical signals.
[0033] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
first light incidence surface is an inclined surface.
[0034] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
light sensing component has a sensing region. The optical signals
provided by the linear light source are totally reflected in the
transparent substrate. When a touch member touches the touch
surface, a portion of the optical signals is not totally reflected
due to the touch member so that a portion of the sensing region of
the light sensing component do not sense the portion of the optical
signals.
[0035] In one embodiment provided by the present invention, the
optical touch device further includes a processing unit
electrically connected to the light sensing component. The
processing unit is configured for judging a location of the touch
member according to a location of the portion of the sensing region
that do not sensing the optical signals.
[0036] In the optical touch devices of embodiments of the present
invention, the light path adjusting component is applied so that
the optical signals have an identical incidence angles while
striking at the first light incidence surface of the transparent
substrate. Thus, the light incidence efficiency of the optical
signals entering into the transparent substrate can be increased,
thereby increasing a light utility efficiency. In addition, in
another embodiment, the optical touch device includes a light
concentrating component for concentrating the optical signals. The
light emitting structure of the light concentrating component can
limit the emitting angles of the optical signals emitting from the
light emitting surface. Thus, the light incidence efficiency of the
optical signals irradiating on the light sensing component can be
increased, thereby increasing a light utility efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The above objects and advantages of the present invention
will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in
the art after reviewing the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a
conventional optical touch device.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic, top view of an optical touch device
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view taken along a
line I-I' in FIG. 2.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an optical
touch device in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an optical
touch device in accordance with further another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a schematic, top view of an optical touch device
in accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The present invention will now be described more
specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to
be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments
of this invention are presented herein for purpose of illustration
and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be
limited to the precise form disclosed.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic, top view of an optical touch device
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3
is a schematic, cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I' in
FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the present embodiment,
an optical touch device 200 includes a transparent substrate 210
and at least a light emitting and receiving unit 300. Two light
emitting and receiving units 300 are, for example, shown in FIG.
2.
[0046] The transparent substrate 210 has a touch surface 212a and a
plurality of side surfaces (e.g. the side surfaces 212b, 212c,
212d, 212e) adjacent to the touch surface 212a. At least one of the
side surfaces 212b, 212c, 212d, 212e is a first light incidence
surface and at least one of the side surfaces 212b, 212c, 212d,
212e is a first light emitting surface opposite to the first light
incidence surface. In the embodiment, the number of the first light
incidence surface and the number of the first light emitting
surface respectively correspond to the number of the light emitting
and receiving units 300. In the present embodiment, because the
optical touch device 200 includes the two light emitting and
receiving units 300, the number of the first light incidence
surface and the number of the first light emitting surface are
respectively two. In the present embodiment, the side surfaces
212b, 212e are the first light incidence surfaces, and the side
surfaces 212c, 212d are the first light emitting surfaces. The side
surfaces 212b, 212e are called the first light incidence surfaces
212b, 212e and the side surfaces 212c, 212d are called the first
light emitting surfaces 212c, 212d in the following
description.
[0047] Each light emitting and receiving unit 300 includes a linear
light source 310, a light path adjusting component 320 and a light
sensing component 340. The linear light source 310 and the light
sensing component 340 of each light emitting and receiving unit 300
are disposed at two opposite sides of the transparent substrate
210. In the present embodiment, the linear light sources 310 are
respectively disposed beside the first light incidence surfaces
212b, 212c of the transparent substrate 210 and are configured for
providing a plurality of optical signals 311 into the transparent
substrate 210 through the first light incidence surfaces 212b,
212e. The light path adjusting component 320 is disposed between
the linear light source 310 and the corresponding first light
incidence surface 212b/212e. The light path adjusting component 320
is configured for adjusting the incidence angles of the optical
signals 311 striking at the first incidence surface 212b/212e.
Thus, each of the optical signals 311 can enter into the
transparent substrate 210 through the first incidence surface
212b/212e with a predetermined incidence angle .theta.. The light
sensing components 340 are respectively disposed beside the first
light emitting surfaces 212c, 212d. In each light emitting and
receiving unit 300, the light sensing component 340 is configured
for receiving the optical signals 311 from the corresponding linear
light source 310.
[0048] Each linear light source 310 includes, for example, a light
emitting component 312, a light guide plate 314 and a shell 316.
Each light guide plate 312 has a second light incidence surface
314a and a second light emitting surface 314b adjacent to the
second light incidence surface 314a. The second light emitting
surfaces 314b of the light guide plates 314 face to the first light
incidence surfaces 212b, 212e respectively. The light emitting
components 312 are respectively disposed beside the second light
incidence surfaces 314a. The shell 316 receives the corresponding
light guide plate 314 and the corresponding light emitting
component 312 therein. The light emitting components 312 are, but
not limited to, infrared light emitting components, for example,
light emitting diodes. Additionally, the light guide plates 314 are
configured for guiding the optical signals 311 directly provided by
the light emitting components 312 and the optical signals 311
reflected by the shells 316 to the first light incidence surfaces
212b, 212e.
[0049] In addition, each light path adjusting component 320 has a
fourth light incidence surface 322 and a fourth light emitting
surface 324 opposite to the fourth light incidence surface 322. The
fourth light incidence surface 322 is a convex curved surface
facing to the linear light source 310, and the fourth light
emitting surface 324 is an inclined surface. The fourth light
incidence surface 322 is configured for transforming the optical
signals 311 passing through the fourth light incidence surface 322
into approximately parallel optical signals 311. The fourth light
emitting surface 324 is configured for changing the light paths of
the optical signals 311 so that each of the most optical signals
311 can enter into the transparent substrate 210 through the first
incidence surface 212b/212e with the predetermined incidence angles
.theta.. In other words, the incidence angles of the optical
signals 311 striking at the first incidence surface 212b/212e can
be adjusted by adjusting a slope of the fourth light emitting
surface 324. In addition, it is noted that, the predetermined
incidence angles .theta. of each of the optical signals 311 is not
limited to an identical degree, but can be different. That is, the
predetermined incidence angles .theta. of the optical signals 311
are in a range from a maximum degree and a minimum degree. A
difference of the maximum degree and the minimum degree can be
about a few of degrees.
[0050] In general, when the touch surface 212a of the transparent
substrate 210 is not touched by a touch member (e.g., a finger),
the touch surface 212a is contacted with air. After the optical
signals 311 from the linear light source 310 enter into the
transparent substrate 210 through the first light incidence
surfaces 212b, 212e, the total reflections of the optical signals
311 are occurred in the transparent substrate 210. Then, the
optical signals 223 emit from the first light emitting surfaces
212c, 212d to be sensed by the corresponding light sensing
component 340. A forward direction of the optical signals 311 from
one of the two linear light sources 310 is, for example, parallel
to an X axis, and a forward direction of the optical signals 311
from the other of the two linear light sources 310 is, for example,
parallel to a Y axis. Additionally, when a touch member 60 (e.g., a
finger, a pen or other objects) touches the touch surface 212a, a
portion of the optical signals 311 arriving at the portion of the
touch surface 212a touched by the touch member 60 can not be sensed
by the light sensing components 340. More specifically, because the
refraction index of the touch member 60 is greater than the
refraction index of the air, the portion of the optical signals 311
can not be totally reflected. In other words, when the touch member
60 touches the touch surface 212a, the total reflections of the
portion of the optical signals 311 do not occurred. Thus, a portion
of the sensing region of each light sensing component 340 can not
sense the optical signals 311 and a location of the touch member 60
can be obtained according to the sensing region of each light
sensing component 340 that do not sense the optical signals 311.
Further, the optical touch device 200 includes a processing unit
220. The processing unit 220 is electrically connected to the light
sensing components 340. The processing unit 220 is configured for
judging the location of the touch member 60 according to the
location of the portion of the sensing region that do not sensing
the optical signals 340.
[0051] In the present embodiment, each light sensing component 340
can be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image
sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD), or other suitable light
sensing component. In addition, the light sensing component 340
beside the first light emitting surface 212c can sense the location
of the touch member 60 along the X axis, and the light sensing
component 340 beside the first light emitting surface 212d can
sense the location of the touch member 60 along the Y axis.
Therefore, the two light sensing components 340 can sense the exact
location of the touch member 60 located on the touch surface
212a.
[0052] In the present embodiment, the light path adjusting
component 320 is applied to the optical touch device 200 so that
each of the optical signals 311 strikes at the first incidence
surface 212b/212e of the transparent substrate 210 with the
predetermined incidence angle .theta.. Thus, the light incidence
efficiency of the optical signals 311 entering into the transparent
substrate 210 can be increased, thereby increasing a light utility
efficiency of the optical touch device 200.
[0053] It is noted that, the optical touch device 200 includes, but
not limited to, the two light emitting and receiving units 300. In
another embodiment, the optical touch device can includes one light
emitting and receiving unit 300 or more than two the light emitting
and receiving units 300 according to the demand. In addition, in
order to increase the reflectivity of the optical signals 311, two
reflecting layers (not shown) can be respectively formed on the
touch surface 212a and a surface 212f opposite to the touch surface
212a. For example, in one embodiment, when the light emitting
components 312 are the infrared light emitting components, the
reflecting layers are, for example, configured for reflecting the
infrared optical signals.
[0054] In order to further increase the light utility efficiency of
the optical touch device 200, each light emitting and receiving
unit 300 can further include a light concentrating component 330.
The light concentrating component 330 is disposed between the light
sensing component 340 and the corresponding first light emitting
surface 212c/212d. The light concentrating component 330 is
configured for receiving the optical signals 311 emitting from the
first light emitting surface 212c/212d. A light emitting structure
333 is disposed on a surface 332 of the light concentrating
component 330 far away from the transparent substrate 210 to
transmit the optical signals 311 to the corresponding light sensing
component 340 through the light emitting structure 333. The light
emitting structure 333 can be, but not limited to, a grating
structure or a matte surface structure.
[0055] The light concentrating component 330 is configured for
receiving the optical signals 311 emitting from the first light
emitting surface 212c/212d. The light emitting structure 333 is
configured for limiting the light emitting angles of the optical
signals 311 to increase the light receiving efficiency of the
corresponding light sensing component 340. Thus, the light utility
efficiency of the optical touch device 200 can be increased,
thereby increasing the sensing effect of the light sensing
components 340. Additionally, each light emitting and receiving
unit 300 can further include a lens set 350. The lens set 350 is
disposed between the light sensing component 340 and the light
concentrating component 330. The lens set 350 is configured for
concentrating the optical signals 311 to the light sensing
component 340, thereby further increasing the sensing effect of the
light sensing components 340.
[0056] It is noted that, when the optical touch device 200 in the
present embodiment is applied to a touch display device, the
transparent substrate 210 and a substrate of a display panel of the
touch display device can be formed integrally. In other words, the
transparent substrate 210 can be the substrate of the display
panel. In another embodiment, the light path adjusting component
320 can also be omitted. The optical touch device only uses the
light concentrating component to increase the light utility
efficiency.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an optical
touch device in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the
optical touch device 200a is similar to the optical touch device
200 except that each first light incidence surface (e.g., the first
light incidence surface 212b') of a transparent substrate 210' is
an inclined surface. The inclined surface cooperates with the light
paths of the optical signals 311 so that the optical signals 311
strike at the first light incidence surface 212b' perpendicularly.
As a result, the light incidence efficiency of the optical signals
311 entering into the transparent substrate 210' can be increased,
thereby increasing the light utility efficiency of the optical
touch device 200a.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an optical
touch device in accordance with further another embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment,
the optical touch device 200b is similar to the optical touch
device 200 except that each light emitting and receiving unit 300b
of the optical touch device 200b does not include the lens set 350
shown in FIG. 3. In addition, each light emitting and receiving
unit 300b of the optical touch device 200b further includes a
reflecting member 360. Each reflecting member 360 is disposed
between the light sensing component 340 and the corresponding light
concentrating component 330 and is configured for reflecting the
optical signals 311 to the corresponding light sensing component
340. In detail, each reflecting member 360 is, for example, a
prism. The prism includes a third light incidence surface 362, a
reflecting surface 364 and a third light emitting surface 366. The
third light incidence surface 362 faces to the corresponding light
concentrating component 330. The third light emitting surface 366
faces to the corresponding light sensing component 340. The
reflecting surface 364 is connected between the third light
emitting surface 362 and the third light incidence surface 364. In
another embodiment, the lens set 350 as shown in FIG. 3 can also be
disposed between the reflecting member 360 and the corresponding
light sensing component 340.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a schematic, top view of an optical touch device
in accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the
optical touch device 200c is similar to the optical touch device
200b except that each light emitting and receiving unit 300c of the
optical touch device 200c further includes a refracting member 370.
The refracting member 370 is disposed between the reflecting member
360 and the corresponding light concentrating component 330, and is
configured for refracting the optical signals 311 to the reflecting
member 360. In addition, in another embodiment, the refracting
member 370 can be contacted with the third light incidence surface
362 of the reflecting member 360.
[0060] The optical touch devices 200a, 200b, 200c have advantages
similar to the optical touch device 200 and are not described
here.
[0061] In summary, each optical touch device of the present
invention has at least one of the following advantages:
[0062] 1. In one embodiment, the light path adjusting component is
applied to adjust the optical signals to have an identical
incidence angle striking at the first light incidence surface of
the transparent substrate. Thus, the light incidence efficiency of
the optical signals entering into the transparent substrate can be
increased, thereby increasing the light utility efficiency.
[0063] 2. In another embodiment, the optical touch device includes
a light concentrating component for concentrating the optical
signals. The light emitting structure of the light concentrating
component can limit the emitting angles of the optical signals
emitting from the light emitting surface. Thus, the light incidence
efficiency of the optical signals irradiating on the light sensing
component can be increased, thereby increasing a light utility
efficiency.
[0064] While the invention has been described in terms of what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be
limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which
are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
* * * * *